John P. Carroll/CWN
YARMOUTH – A fire broke out at a residence in Yarmouth sometime after 8:30 AM Wednesday. Firefighters responded to 67 Broadway Street to find heavy smoke coming from the second floor of the house. There were no reports of injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Yarmouth Fire reports that on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 8:50 AM, they received a 911 call from a passerby reporting a house on fire at 67 Broadway Street, West Yarmouth. Caller stated that it appeared the fire was on the second floor. Yarmouth Fire Department Dispatch Center dispatched a First Alarm Assignment sending multiple apparatus to the scene. In all, YFD Tower 41, Engines 42, 43, 45, Ambulances 54 & 56, Cars 51, 52, 58, 59 & 562, Dennis Ladder, Hyannis Engine, and a Brewster Ambulance responded on the First Alarm Assignment.
Apparatus arrived to find heavy fire coming out of the second-story living room area. Engine 45 deployed a 1 ¾ handline and quickly knocked the fire down. Two other crews searched the home for occupants. None were found. Crews performed overhaul and checked for fire extension. After this, the scene was turned over to the Yarmouth Fire Investigation Team. Utilities were secured, but crews found that the plumbing pipes, fixtures, and kitchen sink were electrified. A similar call the night before and around the corner from this property indicated a much bigger electrical problem in this neighborhood. Dispatch requested Eversource to expedite their response, and they arrived within minutes. After investigating, a decision was made to cut power to this neighborhood so Eversource could investigate further.
Command Officers from Yarmouth, Hyannis, Dennis, and Barnstable assisted in directing crews. Through the Barnstable County Mutual Aid System, a Harwich Engine and Chatham Ambulance covered HQ, a Barnstable Ladder and Dennis Ambulance covered Station 2, and a COMM Ambulance covered station 3.
The YFD Fire Investigation Team and the Town of Yarmouth Electrical Inspector are still on-scene investigating the cause. No determination has been made at this time.
This fire could have been much worse if not for the quick response and actions of Yarmouth’s crews and those of our mutual aid partners. Additionally, the realization that there was a problem with electrical power in this neighborhood and the decision to cut power could very well have prevented another incident.
Cape Cod Incidents/CWN
